Download Weathering and Erosion Activities

Name: _______________________________________________________ Period: ___________
Weathering and Erosion Activities
Part 1 – Broken Rocks
Weathering causes the disintegration of rock near the surface of the earth.
Plant and animal life, atmosphere and water are the major causes of
weathering. Weathering breaks down and loosens the surface minerals of rock
so they can be transported away by agents of erosion such as water, wind and
ice. There are two types of weathering: mechanical and chemical.
Observe the sugar cube – describe its features below:
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1. Take 1 sugar cube and put it into the container.
2. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Observe the sugar cube – What does the sugar cube look like now? What
happened as a result of the shaking?
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1.
What does the sugar cube represent?
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2. Which type of weathering was this an example of?
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3. What are ways that this type of weathering can occur?
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Part 2 – Bubbling Rocks
Certain rocks with carbonate compounds erode or dissolve when they come in
contact with acidic chemicals. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere sometimes can
produce rain that is slightly acidic. Over time, this acid rain erodes rocks. You can
see it happen quickly if you use vinegar, which is a much stronger acid than acid
rain.
1. Place a piece of chalk into the beaker.
2. Add 50 mL of vinegar.
Observe the chalk in the beaker – describe its features below:
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Observe the chalk outside of the beaker – describe its features below:
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1. What does the chalk represent?
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2. What does the vinegar represent?
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3. Which type of weathering was this an example of?
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4. What are ways that this type of weathering can occur?
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Part 3 – Sediments on the Move
Rocks can be broken down by either mechanical or chemical
weathering. As a result sediments and tiny pieces of rock are
created. So, where do all the tiny pieces of rock and sediment end up?
1. Spread out the sand on the bottom
of the pan, leaving the bottom 3
inches uncovered..
2. Elevate the pan on one end – use
your binders to prop up the pan.
3. Slowly pour the water onto the sand from the elevated end.
Observe what happens to the sand as the water moves over the
surface. ____________________________________________________
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1. What landform / feature is created as a result of the water?
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2. What was carried by the water to the bottom of the pan?
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3. What process is this an example of? _________________________
4. What are other ways that sediments can be moved?
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